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Monday, September 10, 2012

Well last week in our home we had good news to share, but had to wait until everyone involved knew. There really is something fun about sharing a secret with Phil that only we knew! I think what was so nice about it was knowing it was something that just we shared even if only for a few days. It also did not amaze me how many people emailed me or called to ask if we were getting married! LOL We are not getting married YET. However we have in great length talked about it! So back to the good news...

The backstory........Phil and I have been together for over two years now. In those two years I have fallen completely in love with this man. However there are things about him that I love more than others. For instance I love his dedication & committment to whatever he is doing, the drive he has to not just be the best but to be better than the best, the way he is all in or nothing. I see these traits in him all the time with our kids, when he coaches, a house/yard project, and a lot with his job.

Phil works for a very well known bank. He is always on extra projects, volunteering at activities, giving presentations. His job requires him to go to Ohio for a week at a time and has required him to spend weeks in other cities. At best not including coaching or sleeping time Monday through Friday Phil has maybe 15 hours a week that can be dedicated to the kids and I however normally he will work from home leaving only 10 hours for us. I never try to complain about this as I know his job is very important to him.

Phil is also very goal orientated when it comes to his job. He has a ten year plan to be at the corporate headquarters for the bank he works for. (Right now he in Grand Rapids which is the Michigan corporate offices). Well about 2 months ago he came home from work and told me his boss had put in a two week notice and he was going to post for the job. I immediately began praying that God would prepare Phil for his interviews and give Phil the knowing that he could do this. Two weeks ago Phil had a conference call interview with the corporate bosses in Cinncinnati. That day I prayed that Phil would have the right answers and that the interviewers would make the right choice. The following day Phil interviewed face to face with his old boss and again I just prayed that he would do well and feel God's prescence that no matter how it went, it was God's plan not his.

These last couple weeks I have prayed that if Phil was to have the job we as a family would follow that, but that if Phil having that job did not fit as God's plan for us that He would lay understanding in our hearts. Phil and I both wanted this for him. Well last week Thursday while Phil was finishing his vacation the phone rang and it was the HR department from his work to tell him that they had chosen him for the job! Phil got the job and he even said he did not think he was going to. I told him I just knew he would that I had prayed so much for this and I knew how much he deserved it!

So today Phil starts in his new position at work. This means there is no boss in Grand Rapids for him. He will report to the people in Ohio. It also means that there will be less family time. It does also bring him one step closer to the goal he has set to one day be in Cinncinati! Yes I guess eventually I will leave MI and go to OH. We will not move there till the kids are graduated so I guess we have a few years, but I am very proud of him and I am very thankful for the answered prayers! God has answered so many prayers this past week for us.

I know you were all hoping our good news was wedding bells, but not yet!

And just cuz I finally got these pictures downloaded here is Phil and I at the Chicago Cubs vs Detroit Tigers game in June at Wrigley Field!

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All Of Ethin

Click on this picture to read Ethin's life from CHD Warriror to Angel. This is our carepage his whole life is written here and was journaled. I encourage you to read about the boy who touched thousands in 5 1/2 months

Jessa

This is Jessa the oldest of the J Triplets. Everything I would ever learn as an everyday mother she taught me. She is 9 going on 19!!

Jonathin AKA "Little Man"

Jonathin is the only boy of the J Triplets and right in between the girls. He is my oldest son at 8 and truly a lover and a joy.

Jayde AKA "Tater Tot"

This is Jayde the baby of the J Triplets at 7. She is the informer of the household. She is the comic relief. Life with her is anything short of interesting!

Ethin's Letter of Hope

Click here to read Ethin's Letter of Hope

Cuddles From the Heart

I am the single mother of 4 kids. Three on this Earth and an Angel that God allowed me to watch for 5 1/2 months. I love my kids and they keep me going. Losing Ethin was and is the hardest thing in the world. Jessa, Jonathin, and Jayde (J Triplets) Keep me going. I am an involved mother with their sports and schooling. I have learned since 2009 that God is my only strength and I plan to follow His plans for my life.

Written For Ethin After He Passed Away and read at his funeral

Once upon a special day,In heaven up above,The tiniest souls sat at God's feet,Surrounded by his love.The time was coming...very soon,God said..."Do not be scared",Your family awaits your arrival,Now let us get prepared,And so... God looked upon these souls,In mute consideration,He knew the life each one would live,He weighed each situation,The souls chatted amongst themselves,And wondered who they'd be,They knew the day grew closer...soon,They'd meet their family."How would you like to change the world?God asked each soul in fun,"The chance to make a difference",Is held by only one.I'm going to make the world laugh,One soul said with a smile,For laughter heals a broken heart,And helps us through each trial,Then take with you the brightest smile,And share your laughter well,The soul thanked God immensly,And down to earth he fell."And I'll remind the world to sing,A sweet little soul told the Lord,I have the gift of a beautiful voice,I can hit every note...every chord.You'll have the gift of music then,A voice...lovely and strong,Share your gift with others,And let them hear your song.I will show compassion.,The next little soul raised her hand,Some people only need a friend,Someone to understand,Compassion is a good thing,In every time and season,To you... I will give mercy,As true love needs no reason.And so each soul...shared every thought,Their plans, their hopes, their dreams,As God explained that life...it is,Much harder than it seems.And as each soul began to leave,In a scurry of laughter and fun,Heaven became quiet... Left...was only one.Come sit with me my little child,God said with just a sigh...Do you know how many you will touch,In a world left wondering why?From the moment that your life begins,You... will know of strife,But you'll teach those who know you,To cherish the small things in life.And some may only know you,Through a simple photograph,They'll never hold you in their arms,Or memorize your laugh,Some may only know you,through the words they read each day,But you'll do something wonderful,You'll make them stop...to pray.The tiniest soul...raised his head up,To touch God's firm, strong hand,Father...I am ready for,The life...that you have planned.And I will do the best I can...Without a word or deed...For you Lord...are the planter,And I will be your seed.He could already hear many praying,And although they had not seen his face,They were praying for his safe arrival,They were asking for mercy and grace.Now go my little warror,With strength, and hope and might,Face your battles knowing,"You are precious in my sight".What talent do I leave with Lord?What gift do you impart?All that you will need God said,I've placed within your heart.And so God kissed this tiny child,Knowing all that he would be...And whispered as he watched him go,Go teach them...to see me.